Ethical decision to be made: Should animals be genetically modified to grow organs for transplantation into humans? If so, which animals? 

Link to worksheet

Background:

  • Animals can be genetically modified to grow human compatible organs to be used for transplantation.
  • Such processes can be applied to many types of animals.
  • Different animals have different cognitive capabilities. For example, so far researchers identified evidence that primates like chimpanzees can even engage in moral reasoning.

animals_jmc.png 

Ethical decision-making process:

  • What are the ethical issues? What does not feel right?
  • What are the relevant facts? Is anything missing or distorted?
  • Who are the stakeholders? What are their influence on the situation?
  • What are the situational factors?
  • What are the values in conflict?
  • How do the ethical frameworks apply? Is anyone/any group not acting with virtue? Are any ethical rules being violated? How would the most benefit to the largest number of people be achieved? Should only people be considered?
  • What are possible solutions? What are the consequences? What must be monitored in the future?
  • What was your final solution and justification?

 

Implement your solution:

 

  • What animals should be used for organ farming. Justify your answer.

 

Animal

Should they be used?

Any constraints or comments?

chimpanzee

 

 

gorilla

 

 

baboon

 

 

cow

 

 

horse

 

 

pig

 

 

dog

 

 

cat

 

 

animals_Worksheets_jmc__upload_v2 - JMC6_jsp1.docx

Word 2007 document, 1.1 MB